A lot of us spend our days being glued to our computers, just trying to scratch as many things as we can from our to-do lists. And in the hour’s long process, we remain oblivious to the way we sit and how it’s affecting our posture.
Having a good posture is more than just looking good. It is also important when it comes to your overall health. Having a bad posture can lead to problems, such as back, neck, and shoulder pain, poor circulation, impaired lung function, poor digestion, etc.
You have to take care of your posture if you want to lead a happy and healthy life. Here are a few tips that will help you achieve and maintain a correct posture.
1. Be Mindful Of Your Posture throughout the Day
From waking up in the morning to going back to sleep at night and everything you do in between, try to be mindful of your posture. Whether you are walking, running, sitting down to eat lunch, or simply standing in a line, try to hold your body as straight as you can.
2. Don’t Sit Too Much
Stay active! Try to move around as much as you can. Don’t sit for too long. If you have a job that requires you to sit for long hours then try to get up and move around now and then. Sitting for too long every day not only ruins your posture but can put you at risk of developing circulation problems. Try using a standing desk to alternate between sitting and standing.
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight can also put a lot of strain on your back and spine. Which can lead to problems related to posture. Obesity can weaken your abdominal muscles, cause severe back pain, and cause problems for your pelvis and spine. By maintaining a healthy weight, you can reduce pressure on your back and spine which will also help you achieve a better posture.
4. Don’t Wear High-Heels Too Often
If you are struggling with your posture, it is better to opt for shoes that are low and comfortable. Wearing high-heels too often changes the way you walk which can be detrimental to your posture. Wearing comfortable shoes for a change will reduce the stress on your muscles and help you fix your posture.
5. Adjust The Height Of Your Working Surface
The height of your working surface may also affect your posture. If your working surface is at an uncomfortable height, it can lead to a bad posture. As a result, you may develop lower back pain and stiff muscles of the neck, back, and shoulders.
A sign that your working space is at a comfortable height is that your elbows are bent at an angle between 90 to 120 degrees.
6. Opt For Comfortable Chairs
Most of us have jobs in which we have to sit in a chair for most hours of the day. So, to take care of your back and spine, you have to choose a chair that is comfortable and supports your thighs and hips perfectly. Another characteristic of a comfortable chair is the backrest that supports your lower back curve.
7. Frequently Change Sitting Positions
When you are in a meeting or on a zoom call and have no other choice but to sit for hours, then you can relieve your spine by switching your sitting positions as often as you can. Sitting in a single position for long periods can contribute to poor posture.
8. Avoid Crossing Your Legs
A lot of us have a habit of sitting on chairs cross-legged. But it is not known by many that crossing your legs may lead to posture-related problems. When sitting in a chair, instead of crossing your legs make sure that your feet are straight and touch the ground. Keep in mind that sitting cross-legged too often can lead to misalignment of the spine.
9. Stretch Briefly But Often
Stretching can be very beneficial for not only your posture but also for your overall health. It can help relax your muscles and prevent muscle spasms. Try relaxing and stretching every now then. But make sure that your stretching sessions are brief but often.
10. Hang On A High Bar Daily
A quick and easy way to achieve a good posture is hanging on a high bar. It helps stretch your muscles and brings your body in a correct position naturally.
11. Do Posture Correction Exercises
Correcting your posture through exercise is probably the best tip out of them all. Even simple everyday exercises like push-ups and squats can help you make your posture better. Other than that, several exercises are specific to posture correction. You can look them up on the internet and try them at home.
Final Word
Having a bad posture can put your health at risk. It can affect your circulation, blood pressure, back muscles, etc. Acting on tips that correct posture will help you look and feel better. If you are experiencing any neck, back, or shoulder pain, observe your posture and make sure that it is correct.
Other than health problems, bad posture also comes with confidence issues. It is scientifically proven that having a good posture and being able to stand tall among a group of people makes you confident about yourself. And, you can only look your best when you have a straight and poised posture.
So, your decision of investing time and effort for a better is correct.
